The treatment goals of atrial fibrillation (AF or AFib) start with a proper diagnosis through an in-depth examination from a physician. The exam usually includes questions about your history and often an EKG or ECG. Some patients may need a thorough electrophysiology study.
Prevention and Risk Reduction
Although no one is able to absolutely guarantee that a stroke or a clot can be preventable, there are ways to reduce risks for developing these problems.
After a patient is diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, the ideal goals may include:
Restoring the heart to a normal rhythm (called rhythm control)
Reducing an overly high heart rate (called rate control)
Preventing blood clots (called prevention of thromboembolism such as stroke)
Avoiding atrial fibrillation and subsequently lowering your stroke risk can be as simple as foregoing your morning cup of coffee. In other words, some AFib cases are only as strong as their underlying cause. If hyperthyroidism is the cause of AFib, treating the thyroid condition may be enough to make AFib go away.
Doctors can use a variety of different medications to help control the heart rate during atrial fibrillation.
"These medications, such as beta blockers and calcium channel blockers, work on the AV node," says Dr. Andrea Russo of University of Pennsylvania Health System. "They slow the heart rate and may help improve symptoms. However, they do not 'cure' the rhythm abnormality, and patients still require medication to prevent strokes while remaining in atrial fibrillation."
I am 45, 4years ago I had a horrible anxiety attack I struggle with daily. December of 2019 I went to ER with Afib had a echocardiogram week later all good no issues till end of March 2020 had another Afib, both episodes I was able to go back in sinus at ER with medication. Last attack doc put me on 25 MG metoprolol twice day been on for 7days I assume take time to adjust and low dose aspirin. Since my last attack I noticed I am very nervous especially in morning. Everyday check heart rate, blood pressure every pain in arms or chest I freak out does not help. Currently all I have for the anxiety is Xanax been worried taking with metoprolol, I was not big fan of lexapro or any other anxiety meds, prior to last attack I was starting to get anxiety under control. Any advice on dealing with both these conditions together will be much appreciated.
wblanier87
posted
Re: New to Afibon September 4, 2020 12:17am EST
Hello everyone,
2 weeks ago I woke up with a 'flutterly' feeling in my chest which would lead to an ED visit a few days later (I work in a hospital). After 2 bags of IV fluids the symptoms went away and stayed away for a day or two. The flutters came back and I went over to see our cardiologist who noted PACs on my EKG. So that leads me to today, sitting here wearing a monitor (BodyGuardian Mini Plus) to if we can capture any data. The flutters still happen but last night I had a pretty rough episode and the company sent the results to my Cardio. He called me an said he noted some Afib and has now referred me to an EP whom I am going to see tomorrow. I am 32 years old, no issues with HBP or cholesterol and this has popped up all of a sudden. As you can imagine this is alot to take in and I am extremly nervous. After my ED visit my GP noted that I needed a sleep study(Which has been ordered) and my blood work showed that my Thyroid TSH panel was normal other than my Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) which was sky high at 122. It was also noted that my white blood cell count was extremly hugh (18.5) I am hoping that we can get to the bottom of this soon as this is not a fun feeling to have regulary throughout the day.
My mom found this community for me and I hope to learn here.
Except for persistent Afib, I am a healthy 56 yr. old man. My blood pressure is low, cholesterol is 121, resting heartbeat use to be around 57, blood sugars are good. I was a runner, mountain bike racer, competitive surfer and competitive tennis player. A few months ago I went in for a normal physical and the Dr noticed an abnormal heartbeat and sent me to the heart specialist where I was diagnosed with persistent Afib. I'm on 50 mg of metroprolol and a blood thinner but I'm still in persistent Afib. I still walk 3 miles per day in the mountains and I still go to work every day. 2 hours after taking my first dose of metroprolol I felt like a new man but am still in the Afib.
I believe that (but have no evidence to support) the herpes virus 2 (genital herpes) attacked my heart and caused this. A virus attacked my inner ear 4 yrs. ago and I've lost my hearing in my left ear. I read a study done in Taiwan that said that people with herpes virus 2 have a higher rate of Afib.
Hi,
I am 45, 4years ago I had a horrible anxiety attack I struggle with daily. December of 2019 I went to ER with Afib had a echocardiogram week later all good no issues till end of March 2020 had another Afib, both episodes I was able to go back in sinus at ER with medication. Last attack doc put me on 25 MG metoprolol twice day been on for 7days I assume take time to adjust and low dose aspirin. Since my last attack I noticed I am very nervous especially in morning. Everyday check heart rate, blood pressure every pain in arms or chest I freak out does not help. Currently all I have for the anxiety is Xanax been worried taking with metoprolol, I was not big fan of lexapro or any other anxiety meds, prior to last attack I was starting to get anxiety under control. Any advice on dealing with both these conditions together will be much appreciated.
thanks,
geoff
Hello everyone,
2 weeks ago I woke up with a 'flutterly' feeling in my chest which would lead to an ED visit a few days later (I work in a hospital). After 2 bags of IV fluids the symptoms went away and stayed away for a day or two. The flutters came back and I went over to see our cardiologist who noted PACs on my EKG. So that leads me to today, sitting here wearing a monitor (BodyGuardian Mini Plus) to if we can capture any data. The flutters still happen but last night I had a pretty rough episode and the company sent the results to my Cardio. He called me an said he noted some Afib and has now referred me to an EP whom I am going to see tomorrow. I am 32 years old, no issues with HBP or cholesterol and this has popped up all of a sudden. As you can imagine this is alot to take in and I am extremly nervous. After my ED visit my GP noted that I needed a sleep study(Which has been ordered) and my blood work showed that my Thyroid TSH panel was normal other than my Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) which was sky high at 122. It was also noted that my white blood cell count was extremly hugh (18.5) I am hoping that we can get to the bottom of this soon as this is not a fun feeling to have regulary throughout the day.
My mom found this community for me and I hope to learn here.
- Brandon
Hi,
Except for persistent Afib, I am a healthy 56 yr. old man. My blood pressure is low, cholesterol is 121, resting heartbeat use to be around 57, blood sugars are good. I was a runner, mountain bike racer, competitive surfer and competitive tennis player. A few months ago I went in for a normal physical and the Dr noticed an abnormal heartbeat and sent me to the heart specialist where I was diagnosed with persistent Afib. I'm on 50 mg of metroprolol and a blood thinner but I'm still in persistent Afib. I still walk 3 miles per day in the mountains and I still go to work every day. 2 hours after taking my first dose of metroprolol I felt like a new man but am still in the Afib.
I believe that (but have no evidence to support) the herpes virus 2 (genital herpes) attacked my heart and caused this. A virus attacked my inner ear 4 yrs. ago and I've lost my hearing in my left ear. I read a study done in Taiwan that said that people with herpes virus 2 have a higher rate of Afib.